China accused of targeting Taiwanese religious followers amid fresh detentions
Taipei, May 24
China is facing renewed criticism after three Taiwanese followers of the religious movement I-Kuan Tao were reportedly detained in separate incidents earlier this month, according to Taiwan's semi-official cross-strait agency.
The detentions took place in China's Fujian and Guangdong provinces, raising concerns in Taiwan over Beijing's treatment of religious groups and Taiwanese travellers, as reported by The Taipei Times.
According to The Taipei Times, Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Secretary-General Luo Wen-jia said the individuals were initially prevented from leaving the country before later being taken into custody under unclear circumstances. Luo did not confirm how long the detainees had been held or whether they remained in Chinese custody.
The SEF revealed that since 2019, at least 19 Taiwanese citizens linked to 17 separate cases have been detained in China over religious-related matters. Among those cases, 14 individuals were associated with I-Kuan Tao, while others belonged to Christian organisations and the Unification Church. Taiwanese authorities and civil society organisations have repeatedly warned followers of I-Kuan Tao against visiting China due to growing security concerns.
Luo also pointed to China's recently enacted Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, passed in March, suggesting that the legislation could further heighten risks for Taiwanese citizens travelling to the mainland, as highlighted by The Taipei Times.
The SEF additionally criticised Chinese authorities for failing to inform Taiwan about the latest detentions. Formal communication channels between Taiwan's SEF and China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits have remained suspended for the past decade. The Straits Exchange Foundation functions as Taiwan's primary semi-official institution for managing cross-strait exchanges and assisting Taiwanese citizens in China, as reported by The Taipei Times.
China's claim over Taiwan is a complex issue rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a viewpoint embedded in national policy and upheld by domestic laws and international statements.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who values religious freedom, this is deeply troubling. Detaining people just for their faith? That's wrong, no matter where it happens. India also needs to stand up against any religious persecution, whether at home or abroad. We should support Taiwan's right to speak out.
Classic Chinese tactics. First economic pressure, now religious persecution. They want to break Taiwan's spirit. But this will backfire—it only strengthens resolve. 🇮🇳 India must maintain strong ties with Taiwan without provoking Beijing unnecessarily. Balance is key.
Respectfully, but I think we need more facts. China claims Taiwan is part of China, so they'd argue these are internal matters. Still, arresting people for religious activities without transparency is a red flag. India's own secular fabric must remain strong—no room for such heavy-handedness.
This is a reminder that authoritarian tendencies don't stop at borders. India faces similar challenges with religious minorities sometimes being targeted. We must condemn this and call for the release of these innocent followers. Religious freedom is a basic human right! 🙏
Unsurprising, but still disappointing. China's 'law' is just a fig leaf for oppression. The SEF's warning is justified—Taiwanese should be very careful. India must recognize that what happens to Taiwan today could affect us tomorrow. Solidarity with all persecuted.
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